Sputum collecting device

Abstract

A sputum collecting device includes a bag attached to a cover and disposed in a container for receiving and collecting a sputum and for forming a peripheral space between the container and the bag, the cover includes an inlet for guiding the sputum from a patient into the bag and includes a tubular member communicative with the container and the peripheral space that is formed between the container and the bag, and a vacuuming source for drawing the air in the bag and the peripheral space that is formed between the container and the bag, and for drawing the sputum through the inlet of the cover and into the bag, and then for collecting the sputum in the bag.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates to a sputum collecting device, and more particularly to a sputum collecting device for medical use and including a structure for allowing the sputum, the phlegm, or the other fluid or liquid to be easily induced and collected in an inner bag that can be easily discarded.[0003]2. Description of the Prior Art[0004]Typical sputum collecting devices comprise a container, and a funnel attached to the container and having an enlarged mouth for receiving or collecting the sputum, the phlegm, or the other fluid or liquid from the patient or the like.[0005]For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,589,548 to Fay discloses one of the typical sputum collecting apparatuses comprising a sputum container having an open end and a closed end, and a funnel having a mouth at one end for receiving the sputum and a discharge portion at the other end for discharging the sputum.[0006]However, when the sputum, the phlegm, or ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012]The primary objective of the present invention is to provide a sputum collecting device including a structure for allowing the sputum, the phlegm, or the other fluid or liquid to be easily induced and collected in an inner bag that can be easily discarded.

[0013]In accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is provided a sputum collecting device comprising a container including a chamber formed therein, and including an upper portion and a lower portion, a cover attached onto the upper portion of the container, a bag attached to the cover and disposed in the chamber of the container for receiving and collecting a sputum and for forming a peripheral space between the container and the bag, the cover including an inlet communicative with the bag for guiding the sputum from a patient into the bag, and including a tubular member communicative with the chamber of the container and the peripheral space that is formed between the container and the bag, and a vacuuming source for drawing the air in the bag and the peripheral space that is formed between the container and the bag, and for drawing the sputum through the inlet of the cover and into the bag, and then for collecting the sputum in the bag, and for allowing the bag and the sputum to be easily and quickly discarded.

[0014]The cover includes a check valve attached to the inlet of the cover for limiting the sputum to flow into the bag only and for preventing the sputum from flowing out through the inlet of the cover.

[0015]The cover includes a filter device attached to the tubular member and disposed in the chamber of the container and disposed in the bag for filtering the sputum and for preventing the sputum from flowing out through the tubular member of the cover and for preventing the germs contained in the sputum from being exposed and from polluting the environment, particularly the hospital. The cover includes a mouth formed therein. The cover includes a lid detachably attached to the mouth of the cover.

[0017]The outlet device includes a conduit formed therein, and the fastener includes a bore formed therein for communicating the conduit of the outlet device with the peripheral space that is formed between the container and the bag. The fastener includes a head disposed and located in the peripheral space and engaged between the container and the bag for spacing the bag from the container and for allowing the air to be suitably drawn or vacuumed out through the outlet port of the outlet device.

Problems solved by technology

However, when the sputum, the phlegm, or the other fluid or liquid is received or collected in the sputum container, the germs, pathogenic bacteria or the like contained in the sputum container may be exposed through the open end of the sputum container and may pollute the environment, particularly the hospital.

However, similarly, the germs, pathogenic bacteria or the like contained in the sputum cup may be exposed through the open upper end of the sputum cup and may pollute the environment, particularly the hospital.

However, the typical sputum inducing and collecting device may not be used to easily induce or to receive or to collect the sputum in the housing, and the sputum may not be easily removed or disengaged form the housing.

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